Aerosol, Diskus

Glaxo Smithkline

Serevent (salmeterol) is used alone or with other medicines for the long-term prevention and treatment of asthma (including night-time asthma), bronchospasm caused by exercise or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), and other breathing problems in patients 12 years of age and older. It should not be used to treat an asthma attack.

Do not use Serevent (salmeterol) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Serevent (salmeterol) you have acute asthma symptoms you have rapidly worsening or deteriorating asthma you are using Serevent (salmeterol) as a substitute for short-acting bronchodilators (corticosteroids)

Before using Serevent (salmeterol), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the last 14 days if you have any other medical condition

Serevent (salmeterol) has been reported to trigger allergic reactions in people with severe milk allergy. If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction (throat irritation, choking, hives, face and throat swelling, rash, and wheezing) after using Serevent (salmeterol), call your health care provider immediately. If the symptoms of your condition worsen, after using Serevent (salmeterol), stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your health care provider immediately.

Other:  Joint pain; lower respiratory tract infection; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; stomach pain; hives; toothache; back pain; muscle cramps, aches, or soreness; general body discomfort; tiredness; upper respiratory tract infection; flu-like symptoms; painful menstruation.

How much medicine you use and how often you use it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of Serevent (salmeterol) you are using, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Serevent (salmeterol) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Use Serevent (salmeterol) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Serevent (salmeterol) is for oral use only. Avoid contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes. Shake well before using. Test spray Serevent (salmeterol) 4 times into the air before using it for the first time and when Serevent (salmeterol) has not been used for at least 4 weeks. Avoid spraying in the eyes. Serevent (salmeterol) may last up to 12 hours. Do not use more medication than prescribed. Serevent (salmeterol) is not meant to relieve acute asthma or COPD symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Sudden symptoms should be treated with inhaled medications, such as albuterol. Your doctor should provide you with these medications and instruct you on how to use them. COPD patients -- Do not stop using Serevent (salmeterol) without checking with your doctor. Symptom may occur again after stopping the use of Serevent (salmeterol). Notify your health care provider if Serevent (salmeterol) or any other medicine you are taking for your asthma stops working as well, you need more inhalations than usual, you use 4 or more inhalations per day for more than 2 days in a row, or you use more than 1 canister of an inhaled medication (eg, albuterol) within 8 weeks. Serevent (salmeterol) is not to be used as a substitute for other asthma medicines (eg, oral or inhaled steroids). Common side effects of Serevent (salmeterol) are pounding in the chest, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness. While using Serevent (salmeterol), other inhaled medications should be used only as directed by your doctor. When using Serevent (salmeterol) to prevent exercise-induced lung tightness, take Serevent (salmeterol) at least 30 to 60 minutes before exercising. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your doctor about using Serevent (salmeterol). Contact your doctor at once if previously effective doses of Serevent (salmeterol) fail to provide expected relief. Serevent (salmeterol) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Do not take Serevent (salmeterol) if you are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 2 weeks. If you are uncertain whether your other medicines contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not stop using Serevent (salmeterol) without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using Serevent (salmeterol). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do not use more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have used too much of Serevent (salmeterol). If a dose is missed, use it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Serevent (salmeterol) aerosol at 59 to 86 degrees F. Store aerosol with the nozzle end down. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture the canister or throw it into a fire. Do not store above 120 degrees F.